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JUNE 2026 FREE
Summer of fun
‘Come Outside and Play’ returns June 4-7
Going, going, gone
Area fairs and festivals offer diversions throughout season
edITed By JOe eMansKI By Jenna RITTMan The summer rapidly approaching brings many fairs and festivals to New Jersey. From an art walk to a music festival, there’s something out there for everyone. Read more about all the festivities happening this summer down below. Pride on the Plaza. This annual, all-age dance party features live music, a marketplace, and various activities. The event is a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, and centers on making everyone feel accepted. The dance party will feature a special appearance by drag artist Gym Da Hollow. In the event of rain, Pride on the Plaza will be held in the Community Room of the Princeton Public Library. Otherwise, it will take place in Hinds Plaza, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. For more information, visit www.princetonlibrary.org or contact (609) 9249529. Friday, June 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Princeton Festival. See FAIRS, Page 10
Pennington residents Katie O’Toole, Birdie Klein, Amber O’Toole and Daisy Klein hold cotton candy in various states of depletion during Pennington Day, May 16, 2026. The cotton candy was sold by the Pennington Presbyterian Church youth group. More pics, pages 6-7. (Photo by Suzette Lucas.)
HoVal’s Johann catches on with new mindset on the softball field By RICh FIsheR There’s a big difference in how Jasmine Johann approaches her future as opposed to her softball career. One is intense. The other is, what might be considered frivolous. Both are producing impres-
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sive results. The Hopewell Valley Central High School senior is serious about her career. So serious, in fact, that while she pursues her high school diploma, she has already taken enough on-line college courses that she will have over 50 credits upon arriving at Liberty University in Virginia
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next fall. With her dad working for the Pentagon, Johann is pursuing a criminal justice degree with an eye on working in a national intelligence agency. “I think that’s where I fit,” she said. “I think that’s what I’m called to do.” See JASMINE, Page 14
Families throughout Hopewell Valley are invited to reconnect with nature, community and outdoor recreation during the annual “Hopewell Valley Come Outside and Play” celebration, taking place June 4-7 at locations throughout the region. Nearing its 15th year, the community-wide event is organized by the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance in partnership with local organizations, nonprofits and businesses. The multi-day initiative is designed to encourage outdoor activity, appreciation of nature and family-friendly community engagement through dozens of free and low-cost programs. Some activities require advance registration. Events begin Thursday, June 4, with the Sourland Conservancy’s “Sourland Explorer” challenge, running daily from dawn to dusk through June 6. Children can visit public hiking trails in the Sourlands, complete adventure-themed challenges See PLAY, Page 8
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